What's the Law?

Our truck accident attorneys at Jose, Henry, Brantley, MacLean & Alvarado in Fort Worth, Texas, are commonly asked to discuss the laws that govern semi truck operation in Fort Worth to ensure safety for all on the highways.

Fort Worth semi truck operation is governed by Texas commercial vehicle laws and the Texas Administrative Code. To ensure truck driving safety on the roads, the state has outlined requirements for drivers to obtain their commercial operator’s license. These tractor trailer laws include physical requirements for drivers, skills and knowledge tests, safety inspection regulations for vehicles, road tests, and the requirement of liability insurance. These regulations incorporate federal law regulating truck operation. To ensure safe semi truck operation, Texas law mandates acceptable sizes and weights for trucks operating in the state, as well as loads acceptable for transportation through Texas.

Trucks operating in Fort Worth must have the name of the vehicle’s owner or operator, and motor carrier registration number on the outside of the truck. Additionally, the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, specifies that trucks operating in Fort Worth must be safely operated, maintained, loaded and unloaded, and equipped. In response to the unreasonable demands made on some operators, the regulations also specify that the responsibilities of the operator should not exceed his or her physical capabilities.

Because the nature of truck driving is interstate, the federal government has implemented a number of motor vehicle laws that cover semi truck and 18 wheeler operation in Fort Worth as well. One regulation limits the amount of time an operator can drive his truck. There is an eleven hour driving limit after ten hours off for large truck operators. Additionally, a driver is limited to drive 60 hours within seven days. After seven days, the driver must have 34 hours or more consecutively without truck operation (49 CFR Part 395).

The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration mandates post-accident drug and alcohol testing in cases where the truck operated is cited for a violation and in all accidents where there is a fatality. Texas law enforcement officers enforce state motor vehicle laws as to alcohol and drug testing.

At Jose, Henry, Brantley, MacLean and Alvarado, we welcome any concerns or questions you may have about trucking accidents in Fort Worth. Call us toll free at 866.415.1871, or feel free to contact us via our web form.